Also called the Canada hemlock or hemlock spruce the tree is a slow-growing long-lived tree which unlike many trees grows well in shade.

It may take 250 to 300 years to reach maturity and may live for 800 years or more.

The Hemlock bark was once the source of tannin for the leather industry.

A tea can be made from the leafy twig tips and inner bark and was sipped for a variety of ailments or used as an external wash.

The bark is astringent and was used as a poultice on bleeding wounds in the past.

The wood of the tree is important to the pulp and paper industry.

Many species of wildlife benefit from the excellent habitat that a dense stand of hemlock provides.

This tree also ranks high for ornamental planting.

These trees are found mostly in coves but can also be present on rock outcrops, especially on north facing slopes.

While this not common there are several examples of this natural wonder growing like this in Shawnee State Forest that seem to defy gravity as they grow out of a rock cliff and extends sideways from the hill.